Tie Breaker Procedures.

1. The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage). (Both Have Played 71 games)

2. The greater number of games won, excluding games won in the Shootout. This figure is reflected in the ROW column. (Both have 45 ROW)

3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any "odd" games, shall be used to determine the standing. This is where its kinda complicated.

We are tied in the first two so you go to the third. The Jackets and Caps have played three times so what it says is to throw out the first game played at the site where there have been more games played which is Columbus (two games). So both teams have two points from the season series that is recognized in the tiebreaker.

1. The greater differential between goals for and against for the entire regular season.

So then you go to goal differential which the Jackets trail by 5 goals (69 Caps vs 64 CBJ). Thats why the Caps are technically in first.